maiwa - vat dye

604365 $1.00

Recipe:
Directions for application of vat dyes on cellulose and silk. For approximately 1lb. of cloth:
1 Tbsp. Lye (caustic soda)
1 Tbsp. hydrosulphite OR
thiourea dioxide (better for silk)
1 -2 Tbsp. vat dye

Use Three or more gallons of water or enough

to allow cloth to move freely in dyebath.

Directions:
1. Dissolve Lye in a cup of warm water. Use a
glass, ceramic or stainless steel container.
Vat dyes are discharge dyes which enable the replacement
2. Dissolve hydrosulphite or thiourea dioxide
of a background colour through various processes of by adding it to the above lye solution.
appliction. Vat dyes can be used to replace a previously
dyed, fairly dark ground colour without effecting the hand 3. Dissolve dye separately in a small amount
of warm water.
of the cloth. With fewer registration problems than direct
printing, the relatively simple process of vat dyeing is a 4. Stir the dye solution into 3 gallons of warm
fantastic alternative for creating brightly coloured and water (85 - 120 °F) .
detailed results. Not all dyes are dischargeable. Most fibre 5. Enter the cloth which is clean and wet or
reactive dyes, many acid dyes and some direct dyes will damp into the bath. Add pre-mixed
produce good results. Be aware, even within their catego- lye/hydrosulphite or lye/thiourea solution and
ry, some colours will not discharge. This can produce raise temperature up to about 120 - 160 °F .
interesting effects when one of the base colours remains Some colours require slightly less or more
heat to fully discharge. Avoid boiling as this
fixed in the cloth and mixes with the vat dye forming a new may cause loss of colour or unevenness. Stir
blend. All projects should be tested prior to execution so bath to ensure even dyeing.
that results, when necessary, are as expected. Approximate dyeing time is 10 - 30 min.
6. Remove cloth from bath when desired depth
Vat dyes can be thickened into a paste for greater control is reached. Wash in cold running water until
of application, and reduction of the halo which occurs the water runs amount of warm water. running
when using a more liquid application. Thickeners for vat water until the water runs clear. Follow with
dyes include gum tragacanth or locust bean gum (P4 thick- mild soap (ie. Synthrapol or Orvus paste) in
ener) warm water. Rise.
and should be mixed according to their individual direc-
tions and your needs. experiment
In batik, where lower temperature is required, dyeing
****************Handling of Dyes and Chemicals**************** time will be longer. Tie-dyeing may be done more
Handle chemicals with care. Wear rubber gloves quickly at a higher temperature. For techniques such
and dust or vapour mask. Work in a well ventilated space. as arashi shibori, the dye/ thiourea solution can be
Keep out of reach of children. MSDS is available on request. combined, heated to approx. 160 °F and poured over
the pole wrapped silk.
interesting effects can be achieved when a colour mix on the base fabric contains a colour which does not discharge.
Average conversion chart: 5g = 1tsp. / 15g = 1Tbsp. / 30g = 1oz./ 452g = 1lb. / 1kilo = 2.2lb. *REMEMBER* different colours have different volumes
- so conversions from weight based measurements to volume based are approximate. Individual adjustments may need to be made. Test all
projects.
maiwa handprints 6-1666 Johnston St. Vancouver B.C. Canada V6H 3S2 tel: 604-669-3939
fax: 604-669-0609 email: maiwa@maiwa.com www.maiwa.com
The information given herein and otherwise supplied to users is based on our general experience and, where applicable, on the results of
tests on samples of typical manufacture. However because of the many factors which are outside our knowledge and control which can
effect the use of these products, we nor the manufacturer can accept liability for any injury, loss or damage resulting from reliance upon
such information.